NFL CBA wish list

As the NFL labor talks resume this week, Patriots owner Bob Kraft expressed confidence that an agreement is now "possible" between the two sides. Regardless of when a deal is reached, here's what I want from the NFL CBA negotiations:

1. 16 game season - Roger Goodell needs to get this notion that any fan wants an 18 game regular season out of his mind, and fast. I'm all for an 18 week regular season, with two 2 bye weeks per team - that still allows for more lucrative TV deals to be made in the future - but under no circumstance do I or any other NFL fan that I've talked to want to see an 18 game season. Also, I want (and enjoy watching ) 4 preseason games. I don't think those games should be included in season ticket packages or that owners should be able to charge as much for admission, but I think they are necessary and should happen. I also think reduced price preseason games would be an great way for fans that can't afford regular season tickets to experience the NFL live.

2. Rookie salary scale - It makes no sense that high first round draft choices enter the league making more than established all-pros. Establishing a rookie salary scale similar to that of the NBA will allow teams to reward their deserving veterans. I do have some hesitation about the way this could impact the NFL draft - I wouldn't want to see teams start drafting primarily on potential, a la the NBA, and paying less attention to production and developed skills.

3. Guaranteed contacts - When NFL players sign contracts, it's as if the years and dollar amounts are almost meaningless. There's a fraction of the contract that's guaranteed, and that's all that really matters. A team shouldn't be able to waive a player with a bad contract and face little or no financial penalty for doing so.

4. A commitment to player safety - I admire NFL football players for the physical sacrifices they make and strain they put on their bodies. I want to see the league look out for the health and welfare of its current and former players.

Those are my main concerns. I'd wager that the players will compromise on the 18 game schedule in order to procure more contract guarantees and commitments to player safety post-retirement, which is sad. My number 1 concern would be making the live NFL experience an affordable option for all fans, but since this is the real world and not Josh's fantasy land, I left that off my list.